Dioptase (large, rare Arizona locale) ex. Hauck

Item Description

An important Arizona dioptase, of cabinet size, and from a rare locale - Scintillating, gemmy and lustrous, rich emerald-green dioptase crystals smother the surface on both sides of this dramatic, CABINET specimen. Minor blue-green chrysocolla and malachite are a nice compliment. This impressive large piece is from the relatively little-known Christmas Mine of the Banner District. I for one, have never even SEEN a Dioptase from here. The sparkle and gemminess of the dioptase crystals are exceptional. The richly covered massive matrix is very dense for its size and must be ore (the piece masses 1270 grams, over 3 pounds!). This is the largest example by far that I have seen or know of from the locality. But, on its own merits, it is a beautiful piece that looks like green sugar, and sparkles in the display case. Self-collected by well-known collector Bob Hauck in 1984, this was the largest and best of what he kept until this year from the find. Valued $2000-2500